"Customization is Key": Reconfigurable Content Tokens for Accessible Data Visualizations

TL;DR

This paper proposes a model for customizable content tokens in accessible data visualizations, enhancing usability for blind and low-vision users by allowing tailored content presentation and sequencing.

Contribution

It introduces a token-based customization model for accessible visualizations and extends an existing toolkit with new settings for improved user control.

Findings

Customization improves information recall for BLV users.

Increased customization complexity benefits experienced users.

The model supports persistent and ephemeral customization modes.

Abstract

Customization is crucial for making visualizations accessible to blind and low-vision (BLV) people with widely-varying needs. But what makes for usable or useful customization? We identify four design goals for how BLV people should be able to customize screen-reader-accessible visualizations: presence, or what content is included; verbosity, or how concisely content is presented; ordering, or how content is sequenced; and, duration, or how long customizations are active. To meet these goals, we model a customization as a sequence of content tokens, each with a set of adjustable properties. We instantiate our model by extending Olli, an open-source accessible visualization toolkit, with a settings menu and command box for persistent and ephemeral customization respectively. Through a study with 13 BLV participants, we find that customization increases the ease of identifying and remembering information. However, customization also introduces additional complexity, making it more helpful for users familiar with similar tools.